Meal prep is hard enough when you aren’t on a tight budget. So how do you make sure you’re eating a healthy, balanced diet without breaking the bank?
Members of an online forum recently shared their favorite protein-packed meals that won’t break the bank.
1. Cottage Cheese and Fruit
Some people stick up their noses to cottage cheese, but it can be very tasty when paired well with another food. Many commenters said they like eating their cottage cheese with fresh apples, berries, pineapple, cantaloupe, mangos, and even tomatoes.
2. Cottage Cheese and Salsa
Someone else mentioned they love their cottage cheese with salsa, sometimes adding hot sauce to the mix.
Others chimed in with similar answers. One person loves to eat cottage cheese, black pepper, salt, and bacon bits mixed together for an easy high-protein snack.
3. Lentils
Lentils are a fantastic tasty and cheap option to help add protein to your meals. But how do people prepare lentils to make them mouthwatering? One user suggested dicing carrots and onions, frying them, then adding in lentils and broth. Simmer the mix for about half an hour and add in some chicken towards the end of the cooking time.
4. Canned Sardines and Jasmine Rice
One person said they love sardines topped with Thai peanut sauce. Other users like other canned fish like Tuna instead to go on their rice. One can of tuna can cost less than $2 and fills you right up.
5. Chick Peas
You can roast or sauté chickpeas with any sort of seasoning to match the cuisine you’re going for. Get some good seasonings and experiment.
Canned chick peas cost around $3 per can.
6. Wild Rice
Wild rice is high in protein. One commenter recommended cooking wild rice with green peas, onions, and some chicken broth.
This delicious meal is both delicious and affordable. Wild rice costs around $4 per pound, which makes at least one meal’s worth.
7. Eggs
Many commenters bemoaned the fact that eggs cost more than they used to nowadays. But they still make the list. Omelettes and frittatas reheat well, and you can always add in egg whites to increase the protein while lowering the fat content.
8. Bone Broth
Adding bone broth to your rice or risotto dish can add a ton of protein without you even realizing it. Most cartons of broth cost less than $3.
9. Rotisserie Chicken
Did you know you can typically find a rotisserie chicken at the grocery store for $4.99 to $7.99? Even if you want to cook your own whole chicken, you can purchase it for a similar price to cook it yourself. Don’t forget to make broth from the leftover bones!
10. Tofu
You can prepare tofu in so many ways: in soups, as a main dish, or in fried rice. While it may get a bad rep, it’s all about the preparation.
With the cost of groceries rising, are you trying any of these ideas for your next meal?
Source: (Reddit)
Maya (she/they) is a queer entertainment and culture journalist. They cover interviews, reviews, roundups, news, and more. She loves horror, history, and creativity. They hope their writing both entertains readers and inspires them to think critically. Her favorite pastimes include needle felting, gaming, and drawing.